Fisheries Observer
Location: US, FL, Panama City
Industry: Fishery
Function: Science

Company profile:
Riverside is an internationally recognized engineering, science, and information technology company with more than 25 years experience providing innovative information technology solutions for environmental decision support systems, using a variety of different environmental data sources, from satellite sensors and imagery to stream gauges in local rivers.RIVERSIDE QUICK FACTSFounded in 1985Corporate headquarters in Fort Collins, ColoradoCompleted over 1,200 projects in more than 30 countriesNCBR Mercury 100 List for “Fastest Growing Companies Over $2 Million”SBA “Small Business of the Year Award” recipientNCBR 2011 “Environmental Entrepreneur Award” recipientRiverside has successfully implemented more than 1,200 projects in over 30 countries, and maintains a strong worldwide customer base, including U.S. government agencies such as USAID and USTDA, and international donor organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and FAO.Since 1985, Riverside has built relationships and partnerships with a variety of clients including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) — providing products, services, and solutions meeting their long-term needs.

Job description:
COMPANY DESCRIPTIONRiverside Technology, inc. (Riverside), a leading international engineering and consulting firm providing scientific analysis, scientific applications development, systems engineering, and program analysis support to NOAA, Federal agencies, international clients, and state and local governments, has an immediate opportunity for multiple Fisheries Observers taking direction from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service labs in both Panama City and Miami, FL. JOB DESCRIPTIONSuccessful candidates will collect data for either the National Marine Fisheries Service Pelagic Observer Program (POP) in Miami, FL or for Shark Drift Gill Net, Shark Bottom Longline, and Reef Fish in Panama City, FL. Observers will deploy from fishing ports along the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast. Candidates do not need to reside in Panama City or Miami, FL, but must be located in the southeastern United States and be available to travel to assigned fishing ports. Reliable transportation and a current driver’s license required. Trips vary in length from 1 to 45 days.Specific tasks include:Estimating species composition of fish and sharks caught, retained and discardedMeasure selected portions of catch including incidentally caught marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtlesBiological samplingMonitoring of compliance with fishery regulationsEnvironmental monitoringCollection of information on vessel and gear performance and characteristicsCollection of information on costs associated with fishing operations.Work can be performed on a variety of vessels including small boats without facilities such as rest rooms or bunks; commercial fishing vessels with a minimum (sometimes crude) facilities in less than optimal weather. Observers may use interpersonal communication skills to contact fishermen and schedule observer sampling trips, and observe and document compliance with fishery regulations.Observer training is tentatively scheduled to begin January 2015 with deployments starting shortly afterwards. Date subject to change.

Requirements:
Essential: Education and experience in marine fisheries. Able-bodied for at-sea duty. The observer must reside in an Atlantic Coastal State (including the Gulf of Mexico).B.S. Degree in Marine Science or related field of study.Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fish or a related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.Proficient in the use of fish, invertebrate and protected species identification books and keys; computer literate and experienced with common word processing.Desirable: Experience/knowledge with commercial fisheries practices. There is preference to have observers who live relatively close to the main ports of departure (Houma, LA; Panama City, FL; Ft. Pierce, FL; Wanchese, NC; and Barnegat Light, NJ).CPR and First Aid certifications are required before attending training.Knowledge of southeastern offshore fishery species.Ability to operate Government-owned or personally owned vehicles and sampling equipment.

Benefits:
Pelagic Observer Program Location: NOAA Fisheries Lab in Miami, FLGillnet and Shark Bottom Longline Observer Program Location: NOAA Fisheries Lab in Panama City, FLRiverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering very competitive compensation and exceptional employee benefits.